Fury over 999 'snub' to sick tot

If I’d sat outside someone’s burning house and told them I was going to finish my sandwich, I don’t think they would have been at all pleased.

Thomas Passant's grandad Paul

Six-week-old Thomas Passant, who had stopped breathing and turned blue, had to wait for the ambulance crew to finish a meal break.

He is still in a critical condition at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The tot, of Bridgnorth, Shrops, had 14 hours of open-heart surgery.

Parents Kate and Matthew now fear Thomas may be permanently disabled as a result of the delay.

Grandad Paul, 56, a former fireman, said: “I understand they have to have breaks, but if I’d sat outside someone’s burning house and told them I was going to finish my sandwich, I don’t think they would have been at all pleased.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed the crew could not be dispatched during their rest.

An official said: “Crews work 12-hour shifts and have a right to a break.”